Ann Austin's Story

Other joy-filled women started to arrive. They greeted each other, hugged, and chatted while taking off their coats. They slipped off their shoes and socks and scampered across the cold floor. One woman arrived with an expensive European chocolate bar that was opened for everyone to share. The women giggled and gathered around the unwrapped chocolate, breaking off pieces for their “Nia breakfast”! I watched from the cold corner and then quietly slipped my shoes and socks off and followed them into the class.

On that day, Nia became one of the most important elements in my life. Nia made its way beyond my muscles and bones and into the depths of my cells. As I re-read that sentence, I get a lump in my throat and my eyes fill with tears. When you find something in life that is so powerful and profound, it’s hard to tell the story with only words.

Nia encompasses my mind, my body and my soul – all of which speak when I share my success with others. I often tell people that I imagine my cells dancing around inside my body when I move through Nia. I am creating joy within every layer of my being!

So, take a look at my pictures. I’m no longer the pudgy kid. I’m a happy, grounded, woman who is looking forward to a life filled with health and happiness. I maintain my weight at 125 and have the strength of a much younger woman. I play in ways that “my child” wasn’t allowed and I’m finally getting to take those “dance lessons”!

I’m happy to report that my narcolepsy and Reynauds are under control. Nia is now the cornerstone of my physical, mental and spiritual fitness!

Ann Austin